Posted on 02/17/2004 6:44:08 PM PST by HuntsvilleTxVeteran
Review: Thames & Kosmos Fuel Cell Car & Experiment Kit
Build your own small-scale, hydrogen-powered fuel-cell car.
By Hahn Choi
For my 11th grade chemistry project, I experimented with electrolysis to see how quickly water separates into hydrogen and oxygen. Don't yawn, because you'll perform the same experiment when you build a model car that runs on fuel cells.
The Thames & Kosmos Fuel Cell Car & Experiment Kit provides everything you need to make a fuel-cell car, a concept unheard of when I was in high school. See the eco-racer I built, this week on "Fresh Gear."
The Fuel Cell Car & Experiment Kit comes with a lab manual that guides you through 34 experiments, starting from basic solar power all the way up to solar/fuel-cell hybrids. But don't expect a pile of experiments no more engaging than a color-by-number paint kit.
The lab manual explains the theory and science behind each experiment by including equations and excellent illustrations. I found the manual alone to be very educational.
Add hands-on, build-it-yourself experiments and you'll find new appreciation for the potential of cars that run on alternative fuel.
Function, not fashion
The fuel-cell car isn't the most attractive toy car ever to roll. Made of transparent plastic, this car exudes pure function, not style.
Here's what you get.
Fuel cell Solar panel Digital multimeter Electric motor Car chassis Gas collector Resistors Various other components for experiments
The fuel cell comes preassembled because of the delicate nature of the proton exchange membrane (PEM).
Complaints
You need screwdrivers (not included) to assemble your fuel-cell car, connect the banana plugs, or change the multimeter's batteries.
My fuel-cell car didn't break any speed barriers. It just puttered across the table and needed a nudge every now and again to get moving.
Bottom line
Designed for children 12 years and older, the Fuel Cell Car & Experiment Kit provides an excellent educational tool for budding engineers. It's a must-have for high school science class.
I had fun experimenting too, even with its lack of speed. I just wish there was a souped-up version with anodized rims and more horsepower.
Pros: Informative lab manual; fun and educational
Cons: No screwdrivers included; doesn't go very fast
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